The Jazz Process Collaboration, Innovation, and Agility

Build software the way jazz musicians play great music: discover Jazz, IBM's breakthrough approach to teamwork, innovation, and execution * *An IBM insider introduces the Jazz Process, reveals how it builds on the skills that make great jazz ensembles work so well, and shows how any development team can use it to become far more effective. *Teaches software pros how to work together more effectively, individually and in teams. *Shows how IBM and other firms are succeeding with Jazz principles in both software and business. The Jazz Process demonstrates the specific processes that jazz musicians use to collaborate, innovate, and execute in real time, and shows how to leverage the same approaches in many other software development contexts. IBM software development process expert Adrian Cho reveals how IBM and other companies are applying the best practices of jazz musicians to collaborate more effectively, and execute more successfully. He demonstrates why crossfunctional business teams are superior candidates for leveraging the jazz performance process, and shows how it can help them work in synergy to deliver more innovative products and services in the face of demanding deadlines and cost pressures. Although each jazz performance is full of risky unknowns, experienced jazz musicians know how to execute and deliver great performances consistently. They do this by passionately committing themselves to the task at hand; following a set of simple rules that provide autonomy while ensuring that music doesn't degenerate into chaotic noise; understanding their rapidly changing roles; constantly listening and communicating; trusting each other; and taking measured risks. Cho shows how to apply every one of these principles in software development, helping every project participant become more effective and productive -- both as individuals and as team members.